ThunderBolts catcher Corey Bass lights up like a proud teacher when he talks about the success teammate Larry Balkwill has had this season.

Balkwill, who backed up Bass behind the plate last season, took over as the starter this year after Bass was signed by the Miami Marlins in the offseason.

He's made the most of the opportunity, becoming the T-Bolts' top power hitter. He leads the team in home runs with 13, six more than anyone else, and in RBIs with 40.

"Larry's killing it," Bass said. "I love seeing it and I'm really happy for him. I want to see him hit 20 homers. Now, I just need to try to catch up."

Bass, who led the T-Bolts in home runs (11) and RBIs (42) in 2016, rejoined the team on June 30 after he was released by the Marlins.

Bass had no intentions of stealing Balkwill's job. Instead, the pair have formed a catching duo that's unmatched in the Frontier League.

"I'm really lucky," T-Bolts manager Ron Biga said. "I've got the two best catchers in the league, on one team.

"When Corey came back, we talked with him about the situation and he agreed that Larry should be the starting catcher. So, there was no drama there. Both guys were ready to play wherever we needed them."

Biga has gotten both players in the lineup consistently as the T-Bolts (39-34) chase a playoff spot, entering Friday percentage points ahead of River City for the Frontier League's final wild card.

When one catches, the other typically serves as the designated hitter. Balkwill has also spent time at first base.

Zack Jones, a rookie out of Trinity Christian, has been solid as well as the team's third catcher.

"It's been awesome," Balkwill said. "Corey and I picked up right where we left off last year. He helps me a lot. We knew when he got here he would help our lineup and help our team so much, so it was great to get him back."

Balkwill suffered a strained hamstring shortly after Bass' signing and said he's benefitted from not having to catch every day.

"It took me a bit to get used to being a DH, because I hadn't done it in a long time," Balkwill said. "Getting the chance to do that has helped me get back to 100 percent with my leg, though, so that's been huge."

Bass is batting just .225, but has been a clutch hitter, producing 16 RBIs in 31 games. The 26-year-old from Orlando is also dangerous with his arm.

"I think teams around the league know we have catchers that can throw guys out," Balkwill said. "I think it's helped control the run game."

Biga called the leadership Bass brings to the clubhouse "huge." Bass said he tries to keep the young guys loose, especially during a pennant race.

"I've just tried to bring in the attitude of, 'Let's have fun,'" he said. "Try not take to take things too seriously, because that's when you struggle."

Bass is happy to be reunited with Balkwill.

"We get along well and we jell together," he said. "We bounce ideas off each other all the time, and if one us is struggling with something, the other can help. It's great."